The expected psittacids for northwest Mexico (including Military Macaw
and Mexican Parrotlet) still usually can be easily seen along the Durango
Highway (Highway 40) in southern Sinaloa, Mexico. However, I fear that
Thick-billed Parrot has been extirpated from this area; I have looked long
and hard for this species for the past 15 years without success. A
wonderful place to stay along the Durango Highway remains the Villa Blanca
Hotel, which is in the small town of La Capilla del Taxte(above Copala) in
pine/oak woodlands. It is a convenient location to move up (to the
higher mountains and barrancas) or down to the thorn forests below.
Accomodations are also available in Copala. Good meals are available
there (and at the Villa Blanca).